Investigating the Impact of Wetting Agent Use on Turfgrass Putting Surfaces in the Chicago Area.

Wetting agents are being used more by turfgrass managers as a method to relieve issues with hydrophobic soils. The effect of wetting agents on the firmness of putting green surfaces has not been studied. The objective of this trial was to investigate the effect of wetting agents on surface firmness, turfgrass quality and soil moisture. The trial was initiated at Biltmore Country Club in Barrington, IL in June 2014. Four wetting agents were used at manufacturer recommended rates, Fleet (Harrells LLC), Revolution (Aquatrols®), Oars (Aqua-Aid, Inc.) and Tri-Cure (Mitchell Products) on a monthly basis. The green was a United States Golf Association recommended rootzone with creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) ‘L-93’ maintained at 2.9 mm. Data were taken for volumetric soil moisture content; surface firmness (depth of penetration) and turf color (rated on a visual scale of 0-9). Turf quality was analyzed using normalized digital vegetation index (NDVI). Soil samples to a depth of 7.5 cm were collected at the end of the trial and analyzed for percent organic matter content. Based on visual ratings of the turf and NDVI measurements, no difference in turf quality or color was observed during the trial. Data collected from the moisture meter indicated that Revolution had significantly higher (P=0.05) percent water content at 7.6 cm depth compared to the Tri-Cure treatments. Organic matter content was significantly higher (P=0.05) in the revolution treated plot however this was perceived to be a function of the green construction and not due to any manipulation of the rootzone by the product. None of the wetting agents effected surface firmness. Use of wetting agents is crucial and knowing the clay and organic matter content of the soil may be more important to optimize the benefits of wetting agent use.